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Alyse Thompson-Richards

Alyse Thompson-Richards has held many positions with BNP Media, first serving as an intern at Candy Industry magazine in summer 2012. She joined Candy Industry's staff full time as associate editor in August 2016 after a few years at newspapers in West-Central Illinois, becoming managing editor in March 2019. Alyse has also served as managing editor of Cannabis Products magazine since March 2019, and is currently the editor-in-chief of Food Engineeering magazine. She has bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from Western Illinois University.

Articles

ARTICLES

How candy played a role in the 2018 Academy Awards

Host Jimmy Kimmel gives audience lunch boxes, brings candy to TCL Chinese Theatre

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 7, 2018

How can you spice up an hours-long ceremony? Bring in the candy.

Lindt & Sprüngli 2017 sales surpasses CHF 4 billion for first time

Group operating profits reached CHF 595.4 million.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 7, 2018

Lindt & Sprüngli’s sales surpassed CHF 4 billion ($4.25 billion) in 2017, the first time in the Swiss company’s history.

More than half of consumers say they trust Fairtrade label

Confidence higher among consumers ages 25-44.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 7, 2018

More than half of American consumers say they trust the Fairtrade label, new findings by research firms Globescan and Atlantic 57 reveal.

OCHO PB&J bar

Five Star Organics, Oakland, Calif.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 7, 2018

OCHO Candy, maker of unique organic chocolate bars, has taken a new twist on a lunchtime favorite.

Barry Callebaut introduces Ruby chocolate for Belgian artisan chocolatiers, pastry chefs

Global introduction of Callebaut RB1 will be gradual, company says.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 1, 2018

Barry Callebaut has developed a Ruby chocolate product under its Callebaut brand for artisan chocolatiers and pastry chefs.

Kids Choice Awards judging offers reminder of candy’s sweet purpose

Discriminating youngsters determined winners during ECRM Christmas & Halloween event at Hilton Chicago.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

February 21, 2018

A good reminder of the experiences we create, sell and promote came in the form of the Kids Choice Awards, held this week during ECRM’s Candy Planning: Christmas & Halloween event at the Hilton Chicago.

Products we’re excited to see at the ECRM Christmas & Halloween show!

Candy planning event set for Feb. 18-21 at Hilton Chicago.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

February 14, 2018

Though we’re celebrating love today with chocolate and candy hearts, it’s not too early to start thinking about Halloween and Christmas.

Barry Callebaut and FlavaNaturals partner to produce high-flavanol chocolate

FlavaBars to hit stores spring 2018.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

February 14, 2018

Swiss chocolate and cocoa producer Barry Callebaut Group and FlavaNaturals have joined forces to produce high-flavanol chocolate in the U.S.

Sweet Valentine’s Day spending: American consumers expected to drop $19.6 billion

Shoppers to spend $1.8 billion on candy.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

February 14, 2018

Valentine’s Day spending is expected to look extra rosy, according to a survey sponsored by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

The changing retail landscape

Retailers seeking success must balance online capabilities with high-quality, in-store experiences.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

February 13, 2018

A push for speed and convenience continues to shape how retailers operate, but being able to leverage online capabilities against the experiences they can offer customers at brick-and-mortar locations will spell success for retailers.

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Opopop aims to heat up microwave popcorn category

Hershey showcases its new strategies at Sweets & Snacks Expo

Hershey showcases new strategies, candy

Hard candy evolves beyond traditional sweetness

Events

August 20, 2025

Breaking the Mold: Fresh Perspectives on Modern Bakery Packaging Solutions

On-Demand Join us for a practical look at how bakeries can modernize packaging lines and better align with emerging retail and environmental demands. Key takeaways:

June 23, 2026

Better Bread: Smarter Formulation

BFY bill while still delivering the taste, texture, and other attributes that consumers aren’t so willing to compromise on. In this focused presentation, an expert from a leading producer will discuss their experiences and perspectives on ways to craft recipes that hit all the marks.

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Products

Natural Food Flavors and Colorants, 2nd Edition

Although many foods are appealing, and even perceived as natural, in spite of containing synthetic additives, consumer increasingly prefer food products which are fully natural.

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